Higher prices are driving more shoppers to the Internet instead of to the mall and changing the way consumers are doing their holiday shopping this year. |
Hikes in interest rates, severe drought conditions in the Northeast, and rising gasoline prices have helped dampen overall consumer optimism. |
Historically, shocks have had a short-term impact on consumer confidence, especially on consumers' expectations. |
Historically, shocks have had a short-term impact on consumer confidence, especially on consumers' expectations. Fuel prices remain high, though they have retreated in recent days, and when combined with a weaker job market outlook, will likely curb both confidence and spending for the short run. |
Hurricane Katrina, coupled with soaring gasoline prices and a less optimistic job outlook, has ... created a degree of uncertainty and concern about the short-term future. |
I think what we're seeing here, ... is that wages, overall, have always been seen as being at the low end of the totem pole. People are never quite satisfied with their wages. We don't find many folks who say they're overpaid. |
If expectations continue to lose ground, the outlook for the remainder of 2006 could deteriorate. |
Improving present-day conditions continue to boost consumers' spirits. |
Improving present-day conditions continue to boost consumers' spirits. Recent improvement in the labor market have been a major driver behind the rise in confidence in early 2006. Looking ahead, consumers are not as pessimistic as they were last month. |
In fact, consumers' assessment of current economic conditions reinforces other major economic indicators, suggesting the economy will continue to post healthy growth. |
In fact, the gap between consumers' assessment of current conditions and their expectations remains wide. |
It now seems clear that most consumers will be shopping for bargains this season. Firms offering the best deals are likely to chalk up the biggest sales gains. |
It would appear that Americans once again came to bat for people suddenly in need while continuing to support the worthy causes they have always supported. |
It wouldn't shock me if it's not until early next year, but we're definitely on the way there, |
Lackluster job and financial markets, rising fuel costs, and the increasing threat of war and terrorism appear to have taken a toll on consumers. |